England Golf urges courses to reopen responsibly after Government says sport can resume from Wednesday

England Golf is warning courses to be responsbile as they prepare to restart their businesses.
Golf clubs can reopen from Wednesday following last night's Government address.Golf clubs can reopen from Wednesday following last night's Government address.
Golf clubs can reopen from Wednesday following last night's Government address.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave the green light for people to play sports individually, or with a household member in a two-ball, from Wednesday during an address to the nation yesterday.

It means golf clubs can re-open as long as social distancing guidelines are complied with – with courses up and down the country expected to reopen gradually in the coming weeks.

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A statement released by England Golf said: “It is important to stress that this remains an extremely difficult situation throughout the UK and we are acutely aware that many lives have been lost to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The effects of the virus will continue to be felt for a long time to come. As a sport we must work together to resume play responsibly as and when the relevant Government determines it is safe to do so.

“We must ensure that the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved from golfers, to club staff and greenkeepers is maintained at all times. Golf clubs and golfers have observed the lockdown very well and must keep it up and act responsibly as play resumes.

“We recently provided documents giving guidance on operations and resuming play and golf clubs should consider this carefully as they restart their businesses.

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“We also provided Essential Maintenance Guidelines to help greenkeepers to prepare their courses for play.

“We fully appreciate the huge amount of expertise that exists within golf clubs throughout the country and this best practice guidance simply aims to achieve as consistent an approach as possible to protecting everyone.

“We are seeking further clarification from the Government regarding other golf-related facilities.

“The pandemic has already had a substantial impact on golf clubs and venues and the focus will soon turn to trying to recover from the crisis. As a group we will continue to do all we can to provide support and guidance in that effort.”

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